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Shaping sustainable suburbs

Suburbs account for a huge proportion of homes, but until
recently their relationship with the environment had attracted
little research. A team at UWE Bristol have taken an in-depth look
at the risks suburbs face, joining forces with residents to test
ideas and create change.

Collaborating to make a difference

With over 22 million homes, suburbia has long been the location
of choice for many British families. But the vast majority of these
urban areas simply are not designed to cope with the challenges of
our changing world. Not only are they at risk from the effects of
climate change, they actually contribute to it. And despite suburbs
accounting for such a huge proportion of our homes, there’s been
surprisingly little research into how they will fare in the years
to come.

“National projections tell us that there will be a 3-fold
increase in heat-related deaths by 2050,” says
Professor Katie Williams. “In many suburban areas, 100% of
homes will overheat. It’s an issue we really need to get on top
of.” That’s where a collaborative team from UWE Bristol, Oxford Brookes University and
Heriot-Watt University sought to
make a difference.

Working with local communities

Professor Williams and her team of researchers started by taking
an in-depth look at the risks that suburbs face. They focused
on what was needed to make these neighbourhoods liveable, joining
forces with local residents to test out a host of ideas, including
using shading from greenery to prevent overheating, and new types
of drainage to prevent flooding.

“Suburbs provide a great opportunity to include green space,
water features, food growing and even energy production – when you
look at them like that they become really exciting places to try to
make positive changes.” said Professor Williams.

The team also looked at how to motivate people living in the
suburbs to adapt their homes and gardens. “People are more
motivated by shorter-term goals such as saving money, changing the
image of their home and essential maintenance. Estate agents,
providers of DIY products and builders can all play a key role
in helping them work towards longer-term goals."

From local research to national influence

In order to create real change throughout the UK, the team knew
that they’d need to shape policy at a local and national level.
They’ve now used their research to improve many ministers’
understanding of climate risks, influence the Government’s
Green Deal programme and help local authorities across the UK
plan for climate change.

“When I look at suburbs, I know that the research we have done
has helped policy makers understand how to adapt homes, streets and
open spaces in the future – it’s great to make that sort of
difference" said Professor Williams.